Marble Counter Top Maintenance Tips

Marble Counter Top Maintenance Tips
Both marble and granite counters have their own aesthetic beauty and require different modes of care to keep them free of blemishes and stains. Though every day is a learning process with marble counter top, it is best to know simple techniques to maintain its smooth top and flawless shine for decades. Marble is regarded as toughest natural stone for countertop and is used for several household applications like kitchen and bathroom counters and also as fireplace mantelpiece. Marble like other natural stone is expensive but with proper care and maintenance it can be used for several decades. Besides regular cleaning and scrubbing to remove dirt and grime from the marble countertop a few more care methods have to be followed to maintain this beautiful natural stone.
Protecting marble from etching
Due to the calcium carbonate composition, marble stone reacts with all acidic products which can eat away small chips of its surface leading to dull sports or etches. A piece of lemon, drops of orange juice or a wet glass of margarita will leave marks on the beautiful marble counter. To protect marble from acidic etching it is best to blot all spills immediately.
Regular cleaning process
For regular maintenance of marble kitchen countertop, clean it with damp cleaning rag that does not have any abrasive pins or clips after end of daily activities in the kitchen every evening. On a weekly basis, clean the countertop with lukewarm water and non-acidic liquid dish soap. This can be slowly cleaned away with soft absorbent towel and then wipe the entire counter with hot damp dishcloth to remove any water stains.
Blotting instead of scrubbing
As acidic stuff is bad for marble, try to mop every spill whether it is wine, juice or acidic vegetable like tomato. Usually wiping or rubbing a spill on marble will either increase the stain size or cause etching so the best way is to blot them away with tissues that should always be kept handy in the kitchen.
Cleaning up marble stains
Even though you may take a lot of care, a careless guest or a child may spill something on your precious marble counter and cause an ugly stain. You can either use a commercial stain remover made especially for marble or make a poultice out of materials available at home. Make a fine paste of baking soda and water and apply it over the stain. Let it dry for around 24 hours before pulling the stain out along with the poultice.